At first glance, the brightly colored fabric strip across hotel beds may seem like a purely decorative feature. Many guests even remove it for comfort, assuming it has no real function. However, this fabric strip, commonly known as a bed-runner, serves several practical purposes in hotel rooms.

Here are some common ways guests utilize the bed-runner during their stay:

1. Placing Food
Lying in bed while enjoying your favorite snacks is a common way to relax during a hotel stay. To avoid dirtying the bed sheets, guests often place their food on the bed-runner. Its dark color makes it easier to clean if food spills, preventing stains from transferring onto the sheets or blankets.

2. Storing Personal Items
When you need to place items like a jacket, handbag, or backpack on the bed, the bed-runner provides a clean surface. This keeps personal belongings from contaminating the bed linens with dirt or bacteria. Its strategic placement at the foot of the bed makes it convenient for guests to store items without much effort.

3. Resting Feet
Many guests throw themselves onto the bed immediately after returning to their room, sometimes without removing their shoes or socks. The bed-runner serves as a temporary resting place for the feet, preventing dirt from transferring onto the clean, white sheets.

4. Mat for Intimate Activities
To avoid staining the bed sheets or blankets during intimate activities, the bed-runner can act as a protective mat. This simple solution helps keep the bedding clean and ensures a more comfortable stay for guests.

In addition to its functional uses, the bed-runner also adds a touch of elegance to hotel rooms, enhancing the overall decor. So, next time you check into a hotel room, you might want to consider the multiple purposes the bed-runner serves before tossing it aside!